15/04/2026 5:25 pm
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Im trying to get into photography more seriously because my iPhone just isnt cutting it for the weekend hikes I do around the Cascades. I really want that nice depth of field and better low light performance when Im out in the woods early in the morning. My budget is pretty firm at $500 because I also need to save for a decent lens eventually though Im okay starting with a kit lens for now.
I spent hours looking at the Canon Rebel T7 since it seems to be the default beginner recommendation but then I read some reviews saying the autofocus is kinda trash compared to newer stuff and the sensor is getting a bit old. Then I looked at the Nikon D3500 which people rave about for the battery life but honestly the prices on eBay are insane right now like people are charging almost $600 for used ones which makes no sense to me.
Im just torn because I dont know if I should stick with these older DSLRs or if there is some hidden gem I missed that actually feels high quality without breaking the bank. Does anyone know which specific DSLR model actually offers the best bang for your buck under that 500 dollar mark right now or am I just looking in the wrong places?
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15/04/2026 5:40 pm
I agree with #1 about Nikon, but make sure to check shutter counts so you dont get burned. I would suggest a used Nikon D7200 24.2MP DSLR for better weather sealing.
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15/04/2026 5:26 pm
I've been very satisfied with the Nikon D5600 24.2MP DSLR for landscape photography. It works well in low light and the dynamic range is excellent for morning hikes. My tip is to purchase used from a reputable dealer instead of eBay so you dont overpay. I followed this approach to stay under $500 and have had no complaints regarding the camera quality.
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15/04/2026 6:30 pm
Been using this for years, no complaints
